Family-Based Immigration
Family-based immigration is a type of immigration that allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their relatives for immigration to the United States. This type of immigration is a cornerstone of American immigration policy, allowing families to reunite and stay together in the United States.
The U.S. immigration system is divided into two main categories: family-based immigration and employment-based immigration. Family-based immigration is the most common method for individuals to immigrate to the United States, making up about two-thirds of all legal immigrants.
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There are two categories of family-based immigration: immediate relatives and family preference categories. Immediate relatives are the spouses, parents, and unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens. They are not subject to quotas, and there is no limit to the number of immediate relatives that can immigrate to the United States each year.
“ Immediate Relatives”
“Family Preference”
Family preference categories include the unmarried children over the age of 21, married children of any age, and siblings of U.S. citizens, as well as spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents. These categories are subject to quotas, meaning there is a limited number of visas available each year.
The process for family-based immigration begins with the U.S. citizen or permanent resident submitting a petition to sponsor their relative. This petition must be approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the relative can apply for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status.